Offices

My Approach to Helping

My approach to counseling is relational, holistic, and collaborative. I like to create with clients a safe, reliable, and non-judgmental framework from which to address issues of anxiety, relational conflict, abuse, depression, self-harm, life transitions, and addictions. Depending on each individual's need, my practice is informed by a combination of attachment, psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioral approaches.

Maintaining a multi-cultural and diverse perspective in counseling is a priority. Naturally curious and adventuresome, I lived several years abroad in a London suburb of people seeking asylum as well as a Ugandan village plagued by war. I have traveled extensively both nationally and internationally, driven by the ability to witness and learn from experiences of lives other than my own. A Seattle resident for 15 years, I continue to volunteer with children and their families facing varied circumstances, significant financial stress, and relational distress.

I counsel from a belief that most humans desire to feel safe, recognized, enjoyed, and accepted. In the absence of positive and supportive connection with others, usually at an early age, people learn to guard themselves against further harm by building layer upon layer of protective armor. The same behaviors initially intended to protect, inhibit our most unique gifts and sabotage our ultimate goals and desires. Defense mechanisms, which originally served a purpose and helped us to survive challenging circumstances, ultimately keep us from the closeness to others we so deeply desire.

I believe healing and wholeness begin when we walk another through our stories and begin to consider the ways we've protected ourselves from rejection, heartache, embarrassment, and grief. Within the right therapeutic relationship, a person can learn to lead to a richer, more satisfying life through the integration of values, beliefs, and actions. I invite you to find a counselor, whether in me or another, to join you in your journey toward peace, acceptance, and contentment as you transition the life you live into one you desire.

Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With

I am credentialed to diagnose, treat , and make inpatient referrals for substance abuse issues. Additionally, I am qualified to facilitate individual and group MRT (Moral Reconation Therapy). I participate in Harbourview's continuing education courses related to substance use and victimization and am trained through The Sexual Assault Traumatic Stress Center to practice CETA (Common Elements Treatment Approach).

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